Alcatraz Island facts for kids

Alcatraz Island (sometimes just called Alcatraz or The Rock) is a small island in San Francisco Bay in California. It was first a lighthouse, then a military fort, then a military prison, and finally a federal prison. In 1963, it became a museum.

The name Alcatraz comes from the original Spanish name of the island, Isla de los alcatraces (Island of the pelicans). It was given that name when a Spanish explorer, Juan Manuel de Ayala, noticed the great amount of pelicans roosting on the island.

Alcatraz Island is one of many islands in the San Francisco Bay area.

Images for kids

Alcatraz Island on a clear day

Alcatraz Island, 1895.

Alcatraz in the dawn mist, from the east. The "parade ground" is at left.

Alcatraz Island and lighthouse at sunset

The water tower and powerhouse (at right), which generated electricity for the island.

A model of Military Point Alcatraz, 1866–1868, now on display at Alcatraz Island

An exterior view of the Alcatraz main cell block from the exercise yard.

Cell 181 in Alcatraz where Al Capone was imprisoned

A lingering sign of the 1969–71 Native American occupation (2006 Photograph).